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Barnoldswick skipper Mike Scothern believes John Pickup's stunning performance against Clitheroe at the weekend could launch the wonderkid on the road to stardom, writes Andy Neild.

Seventeen-year-old Pickup bagged a superb haul of 8-28, including a wicket off the last ball of the game to earn his side a tie in a dramatic climax at Chatburn Road.

And Scothern believes it could be the shot-in-the-arm he needs to fulfil his amazing potential.

``John probably hasn't performed as well as he would have hoped this season but on Saturday he really showed just what he's capable of doing,'' said Scothern.

``He bowled a terrific line and length and the fact six of his victims were clean bowled shows he was putting it in exactly the right spot.

``He may never beat those figures again. It could turn out to be a career best.

``But this could be the launchpad he needs to build a great career.

``He certainly has the ability and if he listens to the advice he's being given, then he could go a long way in the game.''

Pickup first showed signs of potential when he made his Barnoldswick debut at the age of SIX when he appeared for the club's under 15s!

His previous career best figures came when he took 7-27 for the second team at the age of 13.

A year later he made his first team debut and he's been playing regularly ever since, picking up more and more wickets as he got older.

But Saturday goes down as his most memorable performance so far, and it's a game he'll remember for a long time.

``It was a brilliant match - probably the best I've ever played in,'' said Pickup. ``I came on fairly late and I just tried to bowl straight.

``The ball seemed to skid through after it had rained a bit and they didn't seem to be able to keep me out.

``They had to go for it after losing some overs to the weather and when it went down to the last ball, they needed one to win but I trapped their guy leg before.''

Barnoldswick followed up that tie with maximum points in a low-scoring encounter with Oswaldtwistle the day after.

And Scothern believes their change in fortunes is down to the new sense of team spirit in the dressing room following Justin Manville's decision to quit.

Manville was involved in an off-field bust-up with Michael Lord at Edenfield a couple of weeks ago and vowed never to play for the club again.

``Since he left we've won four out of five, so results speak for themselves,'' said Scothern.

``I certainly don't think it's a coincidence, personally, because we are playing a lot more as a team without any prima donnas.''

Manville has been called to attend a disciplinary hearing by the league at the end of the month.